Sat Jan 03 17:52:07 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, a prominent Sunni scholar and leader of the Kerala Muslim Jamaat, is currently undertaking a “Kerala Yatra” (outreach tour) across the state in anticipation of the 2026 centenary of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a major organization of traditional Islamic scholars. This Yatra, focusing on spreading messages of love and kindness, contrasts with a previous centenary celebration tour led by Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, the president of another faction of the Samastha. The Samastha, founded in 1926, has two main factions, both claiming to be the original. Kanthapuram and his followers split from the main body in 1989. Both factions are planning large-scale centenary celebrations, with Kanthapuram’s faction set to announce their plans at the conclusion of his Yatra.

News Article:

Sunni Scholar Kanthapuram Embarks on Kerala Yatra Ahead of Samastha Centenary, Highlighting Factional Divide

MALAPPURAM, January 3, 2026 – Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, a leading Sunni scholar and head of the Kerala Muslim Jamaat, is currently traversing Kerala on a state-wide “Kerala Yatra,” drawing attention to the upcoming centenary of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the state’s largest body of traditional Islamic scholars.

The Yatra, which began on January 1st in Kasaragod and will conclude on January 16th in Thiruvananthapuram, is being conducted in the lead-up to the Samastha’s 100th anniversary in 2026. Mr. Kanthapuram is reportedly spreading a message of human love and kindness.

This initiative comes after a similar outreach effort by Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, president of a separate faction of the Samastha, who led a tour from Kanyakumari to Mangaluru in December. The parallel Yatras highlight the long-standing division within the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, which was originally established in 1926.

The organization split in 1989, with Kanthapuram and his followers forming a parallel group, citing concerns over political influence. Both factions claim to represent the authentic Samastha and are planning separate centenary celebrations. The faction led by Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal will hold its celebrations from February 4th to 8th in Kasaragod. Plans for Kanthapuram’s faction will be announced at the conclusion of his Yatra.

Despite past opposition, Kanthapuram’s Yatra has garnered support, even from some members of the Muslim League. Kerala Muslim Jamat general secretary Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari and secretary Perodu Abdurahman Saqafi are also supporting the Yatra. The dual celebrations underscore the complex dynamics within Kerala’s Muslim community as the Samastha approaches its landmark anniversary.

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